Laos Time Zone: All Useful Information Before Your Trip To Laos
Laos time zone: an essential topic to consider when preparing for your trip to this country. What is the time zone in Laos? What is the time difference between Laos and your country? Does Laos have multiple time zones across its regions? Answering these questions and understanding the time zone in Laos will help you plan your trip effectively, avoid jet lag, and quickly adapt to this beautiful Land of a Million Elephants. In the article below, we will provide you with all the necessary information about the Laos time zone, along with useful tips for a smooth and memorable travel experience!
Table of Contents
I. Laos time zone
1. Overview of Laos time zone
In other words, if it is noon in Laos, it is midnight in America. Moreover, Laos does not experience seasonal time changes, so the time zone remains consistent throughout the year. This makes it easy for visitors to quickly adjust to the local time in Laos.
To convert the Laos time zone to UTC-5, follow these simple steps:
- Determine the time in Laos you want to convert.
- Subtract 12 hours from this time (For example: 21:00 - 12:00 = 09:00).
- If the time crosses midnight, don’t forget to adjust to the previous day (02:00 - 12:00 = 14:00 the day before).
A tip: For precise conversions, it’s helpful to use the 24-hour format rather than the 12-hour format (AM and PM).
2. Countries have the same time zone with Laos
Interestingly, countries in Southeast Asia, including Vietnam, Thailand, and Cambodia, share the same time zone as Laos, formerly known as Indochina Time. This is an advantage for those planning an extended trip or a combined tour across different countries. You will only have to deal with the time difference once and can then gradually adjust your schedule to adapt to the new environment.
II. Time difference between Laos and other countries
Perhaps due to the significant time difference (half day), jet lag is a common issue for travelers. Therefore, it is essential to understand the Laos time zone as well as those of neighboring countries to ensure a memorable trip. Here is information on the time zone differences between Laos and America, England, Australia.
1. Time difference between Laos and America
Due to the vast territory of the United States, the country operates across nine main time zones. Below, we will convert the time from major U.S. cities to the Laos time zone:
- New York (UTC-4): 11 hours behind Laos.
- Los Angeles (UTC-7): 14 hours behind Laos.
- Chicago (UTC-5): 12 hours behind Laos.
- Houston (UTC-5): 12 hours behind Laos.
Additionally, the U.S. follows Daylight Saving Time, which starts at 2:00 AM on the first Sunday of November and lasts until the second Sunday of March the following year.
During this period, the clocks move forward by one hour, shortening the time difference with Laos. For example, Chicago (UTC-5) shifts to (UTC-4) in winter, making it only 11 hours behind Laos.
Therefore, it is important to check if it's summer or winter time in the U.S. when converting to the Laos time zone.
2. Time difference between Laos and the UK
Similarly, the United Kingdom also has two seasonal time zones: UTC+0 (from the last Sunday in October to the last Sunday in March) and UTC+1 (for the rest of the year). Therefore, when converting to the Laos time zone, you must pay attention to the current time zone in your country. For example:
- Winter time in the UK (UTC+0): there is a 7-hour difference with Laos. If it is 12:00 PM in the UK, it will be 7:00 PM in Laos.
- Summer time in the UK (UTC+1): there is a 6-hour difference with Laos. If it is 12:00 PM in the UK, it will be 6:00 PM in Laos.
3. Time difference between Laos and Australia
In contrast to the 2 countries mentioned above, Australia is ahead of Laos in terms of time. For example, if it's 12:00 PM in Melbourne (UTC+10), it’s only 9:00 AM in Laos (UTC+7). Due to its vast territory, Australia has 3 main time zones:
- Eastern Standard Time (EST) - UTC+8: 1 hour ahead of the Laos time zone.
- Central Standard Time (CST) - UTC+9:30: 2.5 hours ahead of the Laos time zone.
- Western Standard Time (WST) - UTC+10: 3 hours ahead of the Laos time zone.
Additionally, some states in Australia observe Daylight Saving Time (DST), so be sure to take this into account when converting to Laos time zone.
III. Best time to visit Laos based on Laos time zone
Since there is only one Laos time zone, the length of the day depends on the time of year you travel. For example, during the rainy season (from May to October), the days are longer than during the dry season (from October to May). Generally, the sun shines from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, but it stays out longer in the summer with more intense heat.
On the other hand, during the dry season at the end of the year, you can enjoy earlier sunsets. Thanks to the specific Laos time zone, the daylight hours are extended, allowing you to take full advantage of outdoor activities like admiring natural landscapes, swimming at Kuang Si Falls, taking a cruise on the Mekong River, or visiting the country's famous temples. In the evening, Laos is still very lively with bustling night markets and roadside bars and beer gardens.
IV. Tips to avoid jet lag - How to adapt to Laos time zone?
If you don’t adjust quickly to the Laos time zone, you might suffer from jet lag during your trip, which could disrupt your stay in Laos. Here are some tips to help you adapt quickly to Laos time:
- Get used to the Laos time zone in advance: 1 to 2 days before your flight, try going to bed earlier to align your internal clock with Laos time.
- Stay hydrated during the flight: Hydration helps reduce fatigue and regulate your body’s response to the time zone change.
- Avoid long naps if you arrive during the day: Plan light activities and walks around your hotel. Physical activity will help you stay awake and sleep better at night.
- Try to sleep well at night: If you arrive at night, aim to get some rest to avoid fatigue the next day.
- Expose yourself to sunlight: This will help your internal clock adjust more quickly to the Laos time zone.
This guide on Laos time is intended to inform travelers. We hope this article has provided you with the necessary answers on this topic. Understanding the Laos time zone will help you plan your trip more easily. If you need assistance with your upcoming trip to Laos, feel free to contact Autour Asia, your Asia agency. Our advisors will respond to you promptly!
The best time to visit Laos is from November to April, during the dry season, when the weather is pleasant and ideal for exploration, with less rain and mild temperatures. For more information, please read: Best time to visit Laos.
To minimize jet lag, start adjusting your sleep schedule a few days before departure to Laos. Expose yourself to natural light upon arrival, stay hydrated, and try to adapt to local meal and sleep times.
Related travel guide
Other similar articles
CUSTOMIZABLE BY LOCAL EXPERTS
Personalized trip at the original price!
REFUND GUARANTEE
We believe in our work and promise to give you money back.
GOOD PRICE / QUALITY
95% satisfied more than expected!
24/7 LOCAL SUPPORT
We are always available online to provide assistance at any time.
Most read articles
Autour Asia is highly recommended on
Embracing the mission of "Satisfied more than expected" and providing authentic experiences, we have received numerous recommendations on reputable travel forums:
Reviews from Customers
Mr. Jean pierre Levan
United States
3-week Vietnam Trip organized family of 11pax
Ann Mansf
United States
Exceptional service of Vietnam and Cambodia Tour 13 days
Vincent W
Philippines
Memorable 23 day private tour Vietnam Laos
Monique B
France
Truly exceptional trip Vietnam Cambodia
Pauline C
France
Wonderful trip to the Mekong Delta in Vietnam
Etienne S
France
Top travel agent in Hanoi
Asiz T
France
Travel to Thailand 15 days
Yanide T
France
18 extraordinary days trip in Thailand
Steven E
France
